For people in the market of buying a W126
#1
04-29-2006, 12:03 AM
For people in the market of buying a W126
Buying advice - type 126
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by Marc Westhofen, latest update: November 3, 2002
English translation by Gerben van Vlimmeren
Table of contents:
Introduction
Engine advice
Weak spots of the 126 - Where to look at?
Prices
Introduction
The 126 series S-class is in the transition phase between an old daily driver and a young timer on it's way to become a true old-timer. A phase many other known classic cars have already gone through. Whether the 126 can be seen as a daily driver or as a young timer depends on it's general condition. Right now, the moment has come to distinguish between the good and the bad. Not every 126 with excessive chrome and an impressive price tag can be considered to be a 'good buy'. To help you to decide what to buy and perhaps more importantly what not to buy we present you this document. The 126 was not only the flag ship of Mercedes-Benz, but also a forbearer of new technology, leading the world of old-timers into a new future. Pyrotechnically operated seatbelt tensioners and the drivers airbag were introduced to a production car for the first time in 1981, in a 126 S-class. Another new feature was the ABS antilock braking system, introduced in the latest 116 series. ASR and the passenger airbag, introduced in 1986, continued this chain of innovations. These features are nowadays well known and accepted in modern cars. Yet, there is no experience with these devices in cars that are 'coming of age'. How reliable will the pyrotechnical and electronic devices be in these new old-timers? Therefore, just as the 126 pioneered these devices many years ago, so will the 126 pioneer again: Old-timer experts everywhere in the world will benefit from experiences made with technology introduced first ever in the model 126.
Both because of this pioneering and the continuous flow of experiences provided by our club members this document will continuously be developed. Apart from this, the daily usability and the maintenance costs of this timeless Mercedes-Benz S-class design will be discussed.
Do not be fooled. The 126 is not a cheap car to run. It was an expensive car to make and it's an expensive car to maintain. Filling up a tank will cost you more than 90 EUR, depending on your location. It's not a fuel efficiency car either. Repairs can and usually will be expensive. Do not be put off by these warnings though, just remember that things can get expensive, so know what you get yourself into. Most 126 owners do not see their car as just a mean of transportation, but more as a hobby. If the 126 would just be considered to be a mean of transportation, the financials would quickly become a source of frustration.
If these issues are not a problem for you, we wish you lots of fun with your future 126.
Engine advice
6-cylinder:
The 300 series (starting fall 1985) is the best choice in the 6-cylinder range. They have the best running characteristics and they're the most common engines (therefore also most offered as used cars). The 260 series (fall 1985) are better suited for the more relaxed drivers. The 300 can handle the weight of the 126 quite well (180HP is not much for a 126), but the 260 balances on the verge of underpowerment and its running costs (maintenance and insurance) are not much less than those of the 300. Anyone who wants to take this difference in running costs seriously, is better not to get involved in the 126, because this difference can be neglected in practice. The 280 engines (until 1985) are amongst the most robust 6-cylinder engines ever produced by MB. Because they were fitted with quite tame overhead cams to provide fuel efficiency, they have a long life expectancy. In countries where cars without catalytic converters are heavily taxed it is advisable to look for a 280 with a cat fitted. Because of these tax issues, the 280S carbureted version can hardly be found anymore. Buying a 280 without cat cannot be recommended in these countries. Because the 280 was built until 1985, examples of this engine variant will usually have higher maintenance costs (older cars, higher mileage). Of course, there are many well conditioned examples of the first series and many abused 126 cars of the second series, but as a whole we can say it is safe to include a buffer for repair costs in the total budget.
8-cylinder:
The 8-cylinder engines are by far the best match for a heavy car like the 126. They offer great comfort and versatility, albeit at a price. Fuel consumption is high. Generally, the V8 engines perform better than their 6-cylinder counterparts. The 380 versions (until 1985) have a tendency to wear out their cam shafts quite quickly, therefore we advice against this engine. The 500 of the first series (until 1985) are very durable and have excellent running qualities. As with the 280, this version is hard to find with a catalytic converter, because only the 380 was available with this environment friendly aide. Because unleaded fuel was hard to get in the early days, Mercedes recommended their customers not to order a cat. Therefore, most of the first generation cars in Germany will have an aftermarket cat fitted. In the fall of 1985 the new V8 series was introduced in the 126 (420, 500, 560). All these engines have proved themselves to be reliable. We especially recommend the versions from after fall of 1987. These engines had increased performance to compensate for the loss of power that came with the catalytic converter. Until 1989 versions (also the 260 and 300) were sold as 'RÃœF' or 'Aftermarket version'. These cars had the increased performance, but not the cat, as they were only prepared to have a cat installed later (in the late 80s all new cars in Germany were legally required to have a cat fitted. Cars without cat were taxed higher). The 500 (second series) is especially recommendable, the rpm were lowered, providing a quieter and more durable engine. All V8s of the second series are generally long lived: More than several hundreds of thousands of kilometers are obtainable without problems. The 560 is interesting because of it's very high standard equipment level. Performance wise they're not much better than the 500 but they run smoother and thus quieter. The 560 revs a bit higher than the 500, supporting a more sporty driving style. Keep in mind that this feature means that some of the 560s were abused as Porsche hunters. Fuel economy of the 500 is just marginally better than that of the 560. The 420 is the smallest V8 engine available after 1985. The version before 1987 is not recommended because it hardly performs better than the 300. Better is the 420 that was offered after 1987. 20HP more helped to widen the gap between the 420 and the 300. Disadvantage of the 420 is that it doesn't have the acceleration stabilizer mounted on the rear axle like the M117 (500 and 560) series and therefore has the tendency to 'squat' on take-off (especially the more powerful post-1987 version).
Diesel:
The Diesel versions were only produced for the North American export market. Over here, they are quite rare, therefore we have only limited information about their performance. Even the best MB workshops generally do not know how to handle these cars when they require service. More often than that, spare parts for these cars are sought in 123 spare parts lists, not always the most reliable source. Most 126 diesels in Europe are privately converted gasoline engine versions. We have to advise against those: Quality of such projects is hard to describe! Those who are looking for an original diesel should look for the telltale US markings: Combined mileage/kilometer counter, fat bumpers front and rear, English text on switches, VIN plate visible through the front windshield and the characteristic sealed beam headlights an
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
by Marc Westhofen, latest update: November 3, 2002
English translation by Gerben van Vlimmeren
Table of contents:
Introduction
Engine advice
Weak spots of the 126 - Where to look at?
Prices
Introduction
The 126 series S-class is in the transition phase between an old daily driver and a young timer on it's way to become a true old-timer. A phase many other known classic cars have already gone through. Whether the 126 can be seen as a daily driver or as a young timer depends on it's general condition. Right now, the moment has come to distinguish between the good and the bad. Not every 126 with excessive chrome and an impressive price tag can be considered to be a 'good buy'. To help you to decide what to buy and perhaps more importantly what not to buy we present you this document. The 126 was not only the flag ship of Mercedes-Benz, but also a forbearer of new technology, leading the world of old-timers into a new future. Pyrotechnically operated seatbelt tensioners and the drivers airbag were introduced to a production car for the first time in 1981, in a 126 S-class. Another new feature was the ABS antilock braking system, introduced in the latest 116 series. ASR and the passenger airbag, introduced in 1986, continued this chain of innovations. These features are nowadays well known and accepted in modern cars. Yet, there is no experience with these devices in cars that are 'coming of age'. How reliable will the pyrotechnical and electronic devices be in these new old-timers? Therefore, just as the 126 pioneered these devices many years ago, so will the 126 pioneer again: Old-timer experts everywhere in the world will benefit from experiences made with technology introduced first ever in the model 126.
Both because of this pioneering and the continuous flow of experiences provided by our club members this document will continuously be developed. Apart from this, the daily usability and the maintenance costs of this timeless Mercedes-Benz S-class design will be discussed.
Do not be fooled. The 126 is not a cheap car to run. It was an expensive car to make and it's an expensive car to maintain. Filling up a tank will cost you more than 90 EUR, depending on your location. It's not a fuel efficiency car either. Repairs can and usually will be expensive. Do not be put off by these warnings though, just remember that things can get expensive, so know what you get yourself into. Most 126 owners do not see their car as just a mean of transportation, but more as a hobby. If the 126 would just be considered to be a mean of transportation, the financials would quickly become a source of frustration.
If these issues are not a problem for you, we wish you lots of fun with your future 126.
Engine advice
6-cylinder:
The 300 series (starting fall 1985) is the best choice in the 6-cylinder range. They have the best running characteristics and they're the most common engines (therefore also most offered as used cars). The 260 series (fall 1985) are better suited for the more relaxed drivers. The 300 can handle the weight of the 126 quite well (180HP is not much for a 126), but the 260 balances on the verge of underpowerment and its running costs (maintenance and insurance) are not much less than those of the 300. Anyone who wants to take this difference in running costs seriously, is better not to get involved in the 126, because this difference can be neglected in practice. The 280 engines (until 1985) are amongst the most robust 6-cylinder engines ever produced by MB. Because they were fitted with quite tame overhead cams to provide fuel efficiency, they have a long life expectancy. In countries where cars without catalytic converters are heavily taxed it is advisable to look for a 280 with a cat fitted. Because of these tax issues, the 280S carbureted version can hardly be found anymore. Buying a 280 without cat cannot be recommended in these countries. Because the 280 was built until 1985, examples of this engine variant will usually have higher maintenance costs (older cars, higher mileage). Of course, there are many well conditioned examples of the first series and many abused 126 cars of the second series, but as a whole we can say it is safe to include a buffer for repair costs in the total budget.
8-cylinder:
The 8-cylinder engines are by far the best match for a heavy car like the 126. They offer great comfort and versatility, albeit at a price. Fuel consumption is high. Generally, the V8 engines perform better than their 6-cylinder counterparts. The 380 versions (until 1985) have a tendency to wear out their cam shafts quite quickly, therefore we advice against this engine. The 500 of the first series (until 1985) are very durable and have excellent running qualities. As with the 280, this version is hard to find with a catalytic converter, because only the 380 was available with this environment friendly aide. Because unleaded fuel was hard to get in the early days, Mercedes recommended their customers not to order a cat. Therefore, most of the first generation cars in Germany will have an aftermarket cat fitted. In the fall of 1985 the new V8 series was introduced in the 126 (420, 500, 560). All these engines have proved themselves to be reliable. We especially recommend the versions from after fall of 1987. These engines had increased performance to compensate for the loss of power that came with the catalytic converter. Until 1989 versions (also the 260 and 300) were sold as 'RÃœF' or 'Aftermarket version'. These cars had the increased performance, but not the cat, as they were only prepared to have a cat installed later (in the late 80s all new cars in Germany were legally required to have a cat fitted. Cars without cat were taxed higher). The 500 (second series) is especially recommendable, the rpm were lowered, providing a quieter and more durable engine. All V8s of the second series are generally long lived: More than several hundreds of thousands of kilometers are obtainable without problems. The 560 is interesting because of it's very high standard equipment level. Performance wise they're not much better than the 500 but they run smoother and thus quieter. The 560 revs a bit higher than the 500, supporting a more sporty driving style. Keep in mind that this feature means that some of the 560s were abused as Porsche hunters. Fuel economy of the 500 is just marginally better than that of the 560. The 420 is the smallest V8 engine available after 1985. The version before 1987 is not recommended because it hardly performs better than the 300. Better is the 420 that was offered after 1987. 20HP more helped to widen the gap between the 420 and the 300. Disadvantage of the 420 is that it doesn't have the acceleration stabilizer mounted on the rear axle like the M117 (500 and 560) series and therefore has the tendency to 'squat' on take-off (especially the more powerful post-1987 version).
Diesel:
The Diesel versions were only produced for the North American export market. Over here, they are quite rare, therefore we have only limited information about their performance. Even the best MB workshops generally do not know how to handle these cars when they require service. More often than that, spare parts for these cars are sought in 123 spare parts lists, not always the most reliable source. Most 126 diesels in Europe are privately converted gasoline engine versions. We have to advise against those: Quality of such projects is hard to describe! Those who are looking for an original diesel should look for the telltale US markings: Combined mileage/kilometer counter, fat bumpers front and rear, English text on switches, VIN plate visible through the front windshield and the characteristic sealed beam headlights an
#3
04-30-2006, 12:51 AM
RE: For people in the market of buying a W126
It's not all of my knowledge.
EVen though I knew most of what this post from the website was saying, and somethings I didn't really think of. It was easier to copy and paste and leave the credientals to it. Just haven't mastered the link posting thing. But what this info says is true according to my experiences and what other experiences. Unfortunately no ones takes a 21/22 year old serious when it comes to cars and this is just proof to all that doubt me that even some rich famous and so called experts agree with what I say and know.
EVen though I knew most of what this post from the website was saying, and somethings I didn't really think of. It was easier to copy and paste and leave the credientals to it. Just haven't mastered the link posting thing. But what this info says is true according to my experiences and what other experiences. Unfortunately no ones takes a 21/22 year old serious when it comes to cars and this is just proof to all that doubt me that even some rich famous and so called experts agree with what I say and know.
#4
04-30-2006, 01:35 AM
RE: For people in the market of buying a W126
The guy mispoke on the 300sdl it has 148hp not 145. He should have also mentioned that the self-leveling rear suspension can get costly if not maintained.
Other than that he is pretty much correct. I and he is also correct about the blue colored dash. Even though my 300sdl has either sat inside or been covered since my dad got it for me in 1999 the dash has still cracked some
but luckily the dash also blue on my 560sel has no cracks in it. Personally i would love to find another 86 300sdl from FL, TX or CA that is Silver with Blue interior with say 40-50k miles on it i would sell the other two in a heartbeat though i think i would miss the 300 since it is my first car.
Luckily people i talk to do trust what i have to say even though i am 20 basically because people that know me personally know i have spent and devoted my entire life to cars and study automotive literature more than some people study there majors in college. Also i have learned that if u dont know the answer dont be forced to answer the question if u dont know just tell the person it gains there respect because then they know ur willing to admit want u dont know making them believe what u say is fact.
Other than that he is pretty much correct. I and he is also correct about the blue colored dash. Even though my 300sdl has either sat inside or been covered since my dad got it for me in 1999 the dash has still cracked some
but luckily the dash also blue on my 560sel has no cracks in it. Personally i would love to find another 86 300sdl from FL, TX or CA that is Silver with Blue interior with say 40-50k miles on it i would sell the other two in a heartbeat though i think i would miss the 300 since it is my first car.
ORIGINAL: BlackWolf
Unfortunately no ones takes a 21/22 year old serious when it comes to cars and this is just proof to all that doubt me that even some rich famous and so called experts agree with what I say and know.
Unfortunately no ones takes a 21/22 year old serious when it comes to cars and this is just proof to all that doubt me that even some rich famous and so called experts agree with what I say and know.
#5
04-30-2006, 04:20 AM
RE: For people in the market of buying a W126
Actually he did mention it. The self leveling system is actually called the hydropneumatic suspension by proper terms in the European world.
And then again, no one's perfect. Not even so-called experts. There is a Hollywood Insider's saying towards editing and graphics and details. "There is no such thing as a totally perfect movie. There is a flaw in every last one of them." Especially the big budgeted ones.
And I like not knowing things sometimes and I like to learn. That's the whole point of me researching all the time. While most people keeping up with the life of Brad/Angelina, I'm looking at world politics and how it will change the world for the future genrations. While people are looking at BET, I'm studying sociology and the human society and trying to make sense of it. While people are wasting away getting drunk or playing video games, I'm putting together the psy. of the human being and watch how it changes the society and can see the patterns and the path that it is taking us. While people are watching the Spurs games, I'm studying and creating my own philosopies on society. While people don't know the difference between a Mercedes tail pipe and a Cadillac grill, I know most of it and if I don't know it, I will go find it. First I try to ask somebody, but most of my questions always go unanswered. I don't know if it's because my questions are way too advanced, or is it that no one knows the answer either or is it that no one knows how to answer. Then I go find it. Then I ask again to see if anyone have found the answer yet. Then if not, subject close. Move on to the next topic to expand my knowledge.
And it's sad that people wave a piece of paper around and think they know everything in the world then when it gets down to the ***** and guts of it all, they are dumber than a sack of rocks at the bottom of a 20ft lake.
And be careful with them CA or FL cars, especially the ones around the coast due to the salt from the ocean. And the Cali versions have that extra emission control thing on it. Overall, They say that Florida, Georgia, Texas and California are the best places to get pristine used cars. And California/Florida are the easiest places to find a Benz. They are everywhere and so are the repair shops for them.
And then again, no one's perfect. Not even so-called experts. There is a Hollywood Insider's saying towards editing and graphics and details. "There is no such thing as a totally perfect movie. There is a flaw in every last one of them." Especially the big budgeted ones.
And I like not knowing things sometimes and I like to learn. That's the whole point of me researching all the time. While most people keeping up with the life of Brad/Angelina, I'm looking at world politics and how it will change the world for the future genrations. While people are looking at BET, I'm studying sociology and the human society and trying to make sense of it. While people are wasting away getting drunk or playing video games, I'm putting together the psy. of the human being and watch how it changes the society and can see the patterns and the path that it is taking us. While people are watching the Spurs games, I'm studying and creating my own philosopies on society. While people don't know the difference between a Mercedes tail pipe and a Cadillac grill, I know most of it and if I don't know it, I will go find it. First I try to ask somebody, but most of my questions always go unanswered. I don't know if it's because my questions are way too advanced, or is it that no one knows the answer either or is it that no one knows how to answer. Then I go find it. Then I ask again to see if anyone have found the answer yet. Then if not, subject close. Move on to the next topic to expand my knowledge.
And it's sad that people wave a piece of paper around and think they know everything in the world then when it gets down to the ***** and guts of it all, they are dumber than a sack of rocks at the bottom of a 20ft lake.
And be careful with them CA or FL cars, especially the ones around the coast due to the salt from the ocean. And the Cali versions have that extra emission control thing on it. Overall, They say that Florida, Georgia, Texas and California are the best places to get pristine used cars. And California/Florida are the easiest places to find a Benz. They are everywhere and so are the repair shops for them.
#6
04-30-2006, 01:19 PM
RE: For people in the market of buying a W126
Yeah the Cali models have the trap-oxidizer and they cant destroy ur turbo. 87's 300sdl also had it but mercedes has issued some kind of a recall on it i have never fully researched the recall due to the fact it didn't include my year cause the non-cali 86's did not have the trap-oxidizer. I must have skipped over where he talked about the suspension my bad.
#9
08-07-2015, 02:50 AM
Help regarding W126 m110 engine
Hello,
I own a W126 with m110 carb engine. I am having issues with the car.
Cylinder no2 was taking water. Opened the head, it required certain amount of cold welding which was done by a professional. The head was leveled, valves polished. Water test was done upto 50 PSI and no leak was found.
But after reinstalling the head the cylinder no: 2 is still taking on water. Opened the head again, reinstalled the whole thing with new Head gasket but cylinder no: 2 is still collecting water.
I can see bubbles in the radiator. The engine runs well but there is water mixing with oil and water collecting in 2nd cylinder.
Out of topic: I do have a m103 engine which was removed from a W126 as a spare engine with auto transmission. Will this engine be a straight fit on 280S with manual transmission.
Sorry for bumping a very old thread.
I own a W126 with m110 carb engine. I am having issues with the car.
Cylinder no2 was taking water. Opened the head, it required certain amount of cold welding which was done by a professional. The head was leveled, valves polished. Water test was done upto 50 PSI and no leak was found.
But after reinstalling the head the cylinder no: 2 is still taking on water. Opened the head again, reinstalled the whole thing with new Head gasket but cylinder no: 2 is still collecting water.
I can see bubbles in the radiator. The engine runs well but there is water mixing with oil and water collecting in 2nd cylinder.
Out of topic: I do have a m103 engine which was removed from a W126 as a spare engine with auto transmission. Will this engine be a straight fit on 280S with manual transmission.
Sorry for bumping a very old thread.
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